To Bosana Boot, LLC
I recently had the opportunity to try a product newly introduced
to me that I hoped would help with a shoeing problem that I was
having with my horse.
My horse, Grandeurs Pride, aka "Charlie" has had a consistent
problem keeping a shoe on his left front foot since he injured
a tendon a few years ago. Although he remains sound, because he
does not have the same quick break over on that foot as he once
had, he will often pull his shoe off creating stress to the tendon,
as well as bruising on foot bulb and heel grab, not to mention
what the hoof wall looks like after having shoe ripped off. My
shoer had done everything he could do to correct the situation,
but to no avail. We often finish a ride wearing an easy boot on
one foot and shoe on the other. But the Easy Boot stayed on! And
usually he would stay sound unless he hyper-extended leg when
shoe was pulled.
So my thought was, well maybe we should just ride in Easy Boots,
if shoes do not stay on, but they are hard to get on and off,
clinches can do damage to hoof wall, and dirt and mud can get
inside.
Then I was introduced to the Bosana Boot. The boot works similarly
to Easy Boot but is designed to work in conjunction with shoe
using the shoe as an anchor and at same time protecting shoe from
pulling. The Bosana is easier to take on and off, stays clean
inside, keeping debris away from foot and appeared to be a secure
fit. But the real test was would this stay on in competition,
protect the horses' feet and allow the horse to stay sound, i.e.
can you actually ride in them for 50 miles over all kinds of terrain;
long hard climbing roads, mud, rock, roots, and pavement. In the
course of the ride I found the boots to be very secure, traction
was good on all surfaces and concussion was minimized as evidenced
by less than the usual heat and filling in my horses legs. My
horse did not seem to mind the extra weight of the boot, though
weight was minimal, and he was very confident in his footing.
There was very little wear to the boot after 50 miles of hard
riding and my horses' feet were clean upon removing the boot.
The one time that Charlie did hit his front foot with the back
foot his shoe slid right off the back of his front foot, rather
than pulling boot. It is set on the foot in such a way that the
foot cannot grab it. So when all was said and done, I was a believer.
Another plus is that you can leave shoes on your horse and only
put the Bosana Boots on when you need that extra protection for
riding and take them off after. And saves wear and tear on shoes.
In closing I would recommend the Bosana Boot to anyone that is
looking for an alternative to conventional shoeing alone. As we
all know there is nothing more aggravating than constantly worrying
about keeping shoes on. This may be a solution when all else fails.
At least it is for me.
P.S. Charlie finished the Vermont 50 in the Bosana Boot with a
perfect vet score and sound.
Respectfully submitted by Judy Cottrell, Moscow, Pa.
More good news!! I loaned a pair of the Bosana Boots to a gal at a local 2-day 50-mile CTR this past weekend. It was rainy and muddy and her horse hates the mud. She was also worried about losing shoes. She used them the 2nd day (25 miles) on TWO of her horses. She said her horse handles the mud better than she ever had...the boots gave her confidence as she did not slip and slide as she normally did. The other horse was ridden by a Junior rider on her first 2-day 50. They BOTH won their divisions...the Adult taking Grand Champion. They never lost a boot and there was VERY little grit or water inside them when they took them off. They bought the boots. This great result also convinced another rider who watched the performance all day to buy a set for her horse.
I have added Judy & Charlie’s testimonial to my website and Donna will be sending me one as well. I am off to Leatherwood (North Carolina SUPER tough ride) next weekend to get even more believers.
Thanks for your help and support (both of you)
Teddy
Teddy Lancaster
Running Bear
1348 Township Road 256
Kitts Hill, Ohio, 45645 USA
http://runningbear.com/
1-800-533-2327, FAX: 740-533-0337
